RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

Discovery Sciences at RTI International, located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, conducts innovative neuropsychopharmacology research focused on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying reward, stress, and pain. Our multidisciplinary team combines behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology, and advanced neural recording and manipulation techniques to support high-quality translational research. We are seeking a full-time Research Associate to contribute to and help manage a dynamic nonclinical and preclinical research program involving behavioral and neurophysiological studies in rodents.

As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in conducting and managing neuropsychopharmacology studies involving behaving rodents. This position requires both hands-on laboratory expertise and strong organizational skills to support complex research projects from planning through execution, analysis, and reporting. You will work closely with investigators and collaborators while helping maintain a high standard of scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct behavioral and pharmacological dosing experiments in rodents.
• Perform rodent surgeries, including intracranial procedures, and provide pre- and post-operative care.
• Manipulate and monitor neural activity in rodents engaged in behavioral tasks.
• Maintain oversight of laboratory rodents, including monitoring animal health and welfare.
• Maintain accurate behavioral observations, experimental records, and data collection documentation.
• Review study data and associated records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and quality.

In addition to experimental work, you will help ensure smooth laboratory operations and regulatory readiness. This includes maintaining laboratory resources, supporting staff development, and contributing to scientific communication and dissemination.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Obtain, maintain, and inventory laboratory supplies and records.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
• Ensure experiments are conducted in strict accordance with established protocols and applicable regulations, including NIH, GLP, and DEA requirements when necessary.
• Prepare for and assist with laboratory inspections and audits.
• Assist with training and mentoring new or less experienced staff members.
• Prepare written and oral reports and maintain clear communication with supervisors, colleagues, and external collaborators.
• Publish and present scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and professional conferences.
• Occasionally support weekend, holiday, or evening work as research activities require.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline such as neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with behavioral and/or pharmacological rodent models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while meeting aggressive project timelines and deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with neural recording techniques and analysis of neurophysiological datasets.
• Experience with microscopy methods and related data interpretation.
• Proficiency with computational and statistical analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, and other relevant software.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.